Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center announces that Dr. Nishant Patel, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, has reached two major milestones in advanced cardiothoracic surgery: completing more than 300 Cryo Nerve Block (cryoNB) procedures and 250 surgical ablations for atrial fibrillation using the Encompass clamp, the most by any surgeon in Palm Beach County.

A trailblazer in his field, Dr. Patel was the first surgeon in the world to perform a human case using Encompass, a novel surgical technology that allows for safe and effective surgical ablation using radiofrequency energy. Encompass utilizes a magnetic guide for accurate clamp placement, custom energy delivery through a synergy algorithm, and uniform tissue pressure for parallel closure—all designed to streamline minimally invasive surgeries, improve outcomes and treat irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. 

“Dr. Patel continues to set the standard not just in Palm Beach County, but across the country,” said Erik Cazares, CEO of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. “His pioneering work with Cryo Nerve Block and Encompass reinforces our commitment to offering the most advanced and patient-focused surgical care available.”

Dr. Patel is also the number one user of cryoNB therapy in Palm Beach County, having performed over 300 cases. This innovative, non-opioid therapy is designed to temporarily block pain signals using a freezing method that avoids long-term nerve damage. The technique enables patients to better manage post-operative pain and potentially return to daily activities more quickly.

The cryoNB system, developed by AtriCure, uses a sterile, single-use probe to safely disable specific nerves without harming their protective structures. Over time, the nerves naturally regenerate, gradually restoring sensation.

Dr. Patel has been using cryoNB for approximately 2½ years and has helped drive the adoption of this therapy as a safe, effective alternative to opioid-based pain management.

“Non-opioid alternatives for postoperative pain control like cryoNB and novel technologies to treat atrial fibrillation like Encompass are not only advancing surgical outcomes, they’re reshaping the patient experience,” said Dr. Patel. “It’s an honor to bring these innovations to Palm Beach County and to be part of a team committed to raising the bar in cardiovascular care.”

Before joining Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Dr. Patel trained at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he completed his residency and served as Chief Resident in the Department of Surgery, Divisions of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. He has led clinical research on valve-sparing aortic root operations, Marfan Syndrome, minimally invasive surgeries, and surgery for heart failure.

Dr. Patel continues to perform a wide array of heart procedures, including valve repair and replacement, TAVR, atrial fibrillation surgery, aortic aneurysm surgery, and coronary artery bypass grafting.

For more information on our cardiac care, please visit: https://www.pbhnphysiciangroup.com/services/cardiology/cardiac-surgery.